Sorry readers, there hasn't been much to report and update you on.  There are some things that Karen won't let me blog, I guess I would have to start my own blog to describe the caregiver's point of view, but who would interested in that. LOL  Karen is doing well as she revs up for her 3rd round of chemo scheduled for Friday 03/30.  We had a visit from brother Louis from Saturday 03/24 to Wednesday 03/28.  He is sure a delight to have around.  Mom put him to work for all those things Karen is unable to do LOL and the caregiver did not contract to do, again LOL, like lawn cutting, vacuuming, dusting, laundry, etc.  Anne came to visit on Tuesday 03/27.  The five of us shared food from Panda Express for yesterday's dinner. It was so delicious.  When it came time to eat our fortune cookies Louis advised that in his family they always add the phrase "IN BED" to whatever the fortune is.  So we did as he suggested and tried it.  It made for some great laughs.   Karen's fortune was "Be carerful and systematic in your business arrangements IN BED." But Mom's was the clincher "You will be a great success both in business and socially IN BED."  Gotta go have to go get our Mega Million Lottery tickets for the $476 million draw on Friday.  Hate standing in the long lines of losers. LOL  Karen swears the win would make her feel a whole lot better, she would at least like the chance to see if it does.  Yes we will share if we win the big pot. :o)

With the 2nd round of chemo on Thursday and a Neulasta shot on Friday Karen was pretty much toast this past weekend.  By Saturday she had nausea, was a little cranky and slept alot.  With all that she is going through she is allowed to be cranky once in a while. Lol.  Teresa came by on Sunday and visited with Karen for quite some time in between making home-made Swedish Rye Bread from an old family recipe.  We ate some of the bread with dinner tonight it was delicious!!!! I made Karen some turbans out of old t-shirts to help with the hair loss situation.  As of today most of her hair has fallen out, fortunately the hats and head coverings she ordered last week arrived today.  Karen tried on all that she bought (six in all) and she looks "darling" in them.  Yes I said darling.  I have never seen Karen in anything but a baseball cap in the past.  The hats and head coverings are assorted colors and have a feminine flair.  If she sits still long enough I will take a picture and post it so you can see what I mean.  No promises though, as you well know you have to be one step ahead of Karen at all times as she does not like her picture taken.  We looking into purchasing a wig as well.  Can't decide on the color or style.  I say something wild, and Karen says lets keep looking.  I offered to shave my head, but Karen says no, that we would look like two cue-balls riding around in the car.  Thanks for reading.  Most of all thanks for the cards and well wishes, they are truly appreciated.  :o)

What a great day.  Karen woke up with vim and vigor.  She ate breakfast, bathed, dressed and got herself ready for her 2nd round of chemotherapy today.  She had an excellent atttitude and very little apprehension.  She acted like an old pro at this.  It was amazing to watch her.  She has started to lose her hair, and is hoping it will come back in blond and wavy so she can be like the other Clark girls.  For those of you that don't know, she was the only girl with dark hair in the family growing up.  She considered herself the outcast, we considered her downright different. Lol.  The past few days have been wonderful, and we realize that is due to the prayers and wishes to our Lord from so many friends and family.  Thanks you all.  It is proof he answers prayers. :o)

The past few days have been great ones for Karen.  On Saturday she had a visit from the former neighbors across the street (Priscilla & Dave) and was emotional at first then very happy to see them.  They provided Karen the encouragement she needed at that moment.  The potted flowers they brought were beautiful and were the icing on the cake.  On Sunday Anne came by with delicious food from the Mecca Restaurant near her home in Pittsburg.  Karen was able to enjoy taquitos and guacamoto.  That's right she asked for guacamoto and no hot chipoto sauce for her taquitios. I think she has been watching way too much "..Ninja..." on the G4 channel or she is learning the Japanese that is spoken on the show.  Either way, it was a great laugh for us.  She let out the biggest belly laugh once she realized what she had said.  As for today she full of energy and hungry, kinda took on her "bossy in control" attitude, which has me jumping to all of her demands. LOL.  Her nephew Jeff stopped by today on his way back to Utah.  Again she enjoyed the time spent with him.  She received another hilarious card from Joanne, which had us all in stitches.  Joanne has the best sense of picking a card and adding to the verses or theme of the card.  Each one received is a bright spot and forever cherished.  Thanks to all for your continued prayers and thoughts.  Keep the comments coming on the blog, Karen treasures all of them.  XOXO :o)

Karen had her labs yesterday and the results were not good.  She has nearly lost her white blood counts, just 0.55 and her platlets have decreased by more than half down to 208. She runs a fever from time to time.  The doctor presecribed a second round of anitbiotics to help her through this.  She also received an Xgeva shot to help with the integrity of her bones.  And yes the side effects of pains in her bones and joints from the Xgeve has begun to set in.  It is quite amazing that drugs that are to do so much good in the long run, sure do make you feel just plain lousy along the run.... Had a surprise visit from nephew Jeff, it was nice to see him and his short visit was a highlight for Karen this evening.   Thank to the followers of this blog.  You kind words of encourangement are greatly appreciated.  Lot of love XOXOXO :o)

The past few days have been very trying for Karen.  She becomes anxious from the nausea, however, Ativan seems to help for both symptoms.  Only one more day to go with the antibiotics for the suspected infection from last Monday, Karen still continues to run a slight fever (99.8) each day.  Talked with Dr. Reddy, the Hematologist/Oncologist, at an appointment yesterday (03/05), he states as long as Karen's fever does not go over 100 she is okay.  He reassured her that everything she is experiencing are the common side effects for the intense and aggressive chemo treatment she is receiving, which was very good for Karen to hear.  Labs and bone meds scheduled for tomorrow.  Just praying that will go well and Karen will not have any other side effects. Thanks to you all for your support, thoughts and prayers.  Love you much XOXOXO :o)     

Today (03/03) has been a pretty tough and rough day for Karen as she had a slight fever and elevated BP.  She did get up to eat Special K cereal along with her special fruit drink this morning, and at mid morning she took a short walk in the back yard to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather, she is whipped. has no energy and little to no appetite.   We had been told she would have days like this, I guess we assumed they we be closer to the day of chemo and not 2 - 3 days later.  Yesterday, Susan, the next door neighbor, cut spring flowers in her garden and brought a small bouquet to Karen.  They were beautiful.  Karen also received the cushion from brother Phil, it fits perfectly and definitely makes the wheelchair seat more comfortable.  I cannot say it enough "THANKS" to all of you reading this blog for your prayers, thoughts and expressions of support for Karen.  Be it cards, flowers, cushions, calls, etc., they all make the day brighter and this bumpy road a little easier to handle.  Thanks XOXOXO :o)

Today, has been a great day for Karen.  She has not had any of the expected ails from the chemo (adriamycin & cytoxan) so far.  We went to the Infusion Center so Karen could get a shot today (neulasta) to keep her white count up..  She has a great appetite and has been joining me and Mom at the dinner table for her meals. 
FYI, she has a great team of doctors, however she has meet the most friendly, supportive and uplifiting group of nurses at the Infusion Center.  Kudos to Cathy, Jill, Julie, Lucia, Claudia  and David for taking such good care of Karen.  Although the chemo decision was done with some hesitation, we somehow missed the chemo education class, and the first scheduled chemo day did not gone as anticipated, you all helped Karen to talk about her anxiety and made her comfortable by explaining everything you were doing and what to expect.  You guys are AWESOME.  Thanks!